Gov’t urged ‘to do everything’ to free seized Filipino seafarers

House of Representatives. INQUIRER.net FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives on Thursday urged all concerned government agencies “to do everything in their power” to free the 17 Filipino seafarers held hostage by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea.

The seafarers were among the crew members of the Galaxy Leader cargo ship hijacked by the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in the Red Sea on Sunday, November 19, the Department of Foreign Affairs earlier confirmed.

“We, at the House of Representatives, are deeply concerned about the distressing situation involving 17 of our brave Filipino seafarers who are currently held hostage by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea. This situation demands our immediate and focused attention,” Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez said in a statement.

READ: Yemen’s Houthi rebels hijack Israeli-linked ship in the Red Sea

Romualdez likewise said they are “closely working” with the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ” to ensure the safety and well-being of our fellow Filipinos, which is of the highest importance.”

“We are in full support of the Department of Foreign Affairs’ efforts to secure their immediate and safe release,” he added.

Romualdez also called on the international community to join them in condemning the act of piracy and to assist in resolving the crisis.

“The Philippines is committed to working tirelessly to ensure our citizens’ safe return and address the underlying issues that lead to such incidents,” he said, further expressing the House’s solidarity with the seafarers and their families.